City assesses strict weekend closure to curb infections

City government consider a strict closure on weekends with the aim of reducing contagion and especially controlling social gatherings in closed places, one of the points of greatest incidence of the increase in cases.

The measure is being evaluated authorities in Buenos Aires and includes a series of harsh restrictions to contain the second wave which for several days returned to cleanse, according to sources in the city. If approved, it would take effect this Saturday at 12 a.m. – when the presidential DNU expires with the restrictions – until 6 a.m. on Monday.

In principle, they would seek an almost total closure of shops throughout the weekend. Yes indeed, only essential premises would remain open – food, pharmacies and hardware stores, among others – and it would be desirable that restaurants and bars could be used only within the framework of the delivery or the sale to take away. In this way, they could no longer serve customers at outside tables as it is allowed today.

The latter is one of the measures that generates the most discussions within the City. Some believe it would be a huge blow to the gastronomic sector, which has already been damaged since March of last year by the effects of the pandemic. But the growing number of cases is gradually convincing those who still doubt to apply these restrictions: as of Wednesday, there was another record with 39,652 infections. 494 deaths were added.

The idea that they run for businesses that aren’t essential is that they open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to reduce traffic. The timetable would help to decompress, they think of the City, of the mobility generated by the schools, which for the moment will remain open.

Although in principle they will not close parks and squares if the playgrounds are canceled and controls would be duplicated to avoid overcrowding. Only ten people could meet outside. In addition, they assess the cancellation of group sports even in the open air.

To try to apply these measures they would move City staff to visit squares, parks and streets to control that there are no crowds and that people comply with the protocols for using chinstrap.

They will also enforce stricter controls in city access to ensure that only essential items are moved during weekends.

In principle, school attendance would be maintained although You can follow a mixed program in secondary and in some primary classes. In principle, the levels of nursery, initial, primary and special education would continue in the face-to-face mode. The school is currently analyzing whether it will continue in bimodal format or whether it will go completely virtual for a limited time.

The idea of ​​Buenos Aires is to maintain schooling as much as possible, especially since they believe that the protocols have succeeded in preventing the multiplication of cases within the establishments.

These ideas will be discussed, in addition to the interior, with national and provincial authorities who are also evaluating stricter measures.

During the week, the measurements would be softer especially for the gastronomy which could continue to be served in the open air with tables according to the scheme set up by the government of Buenos Aires. Non-essential businesses will be able to serve, but from the doorway without people entering the premises. Today there are no restrictions on entering the premises except for the number of people.

From Casa Rosada They say the new measures have not yet been defined and will be finalized after meetings with experts and governors that begin this Wednesday afternoon. Although they exclude moving to phase 1, as they consider it would be very difficult for citizens to comply, they will maintain the ban on face-to-face classes and report the closure of activities sooner.

In this line, Axel Kicillof, who met this Wednesday with specialists who advise him, is noted. Although the health zone of Buenos Aires speaks of “total” closures, the governor do not go for this drastic position. Maintains school closures, but seeks to keep industries active.